How to Make a Folded Paper Gift Box

Make an Folded Paper Gift Box

The Spruce / Kate Pullen

Paper boxes are great fun to make and can be adapted in a variety of ways. This simple, origami-style folded box is made from two sheets of square paper and can be made in various sizes depending on the size of the square paper you use.

These make great gift boxes and are also perfect for party or wedding favors. Give it your own personal touch by customizing it with rubber stamps and other embellishments.

You will start by making the lid, then repeat the folds with a smaller piece of paper to make the base. The top, sides, bottom, and even the inserts for the inside can all be stamped.

Any sized paper can be used as long as it is a square. The finished box will always end up a quarter of the size of the original square when measured from corner to corner. Practice on scrap paper and keep any finished boxes to try different rubber stamp positions and techniques.

Get the correct materials, then use this step-by-step tutorial to make it.

Mark the Center of the Square

Draw two lines diagonally from corner to corner. This will form a large "X," marking the center of the square. Do not worry about marking the paper as the marks will be on the inside and will not be seen.

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First Fold

The Spruce / Kate Pullen

Fold each corner into the center of the square. If you have it, use a bone folder tool to help make a crisp fold. This will give you a great quality finish. Firmly crease the fold.

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Second Fold

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Be careful when folding the third and fourth corners not to fold to the wrong line. You want the corner's point to stretch to the opposite side of the square.

Fold the first corner to the line that the first fold made on the opposite side.

Repeat for each corner.

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Third Fold

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At this point, you should be seeing a series of squares created by the various folds. You will now need to finish that off with one last set of folds.

Fold each corner to meet the nearest fold line.

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Make Cuts

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Make four cuts as indicated in the picture. It makes no difference which corners are used as long as they are opposite each other.

Now is the best time to stamp the box. Remember to leave enough time for the ink to dry before completing the box.

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First Box Fold

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With your paper decorated, you're ready to fold the box. A dab of glue will help hold the folds in place, however, glue is not necessary.

Fold the two corners without cuts into the center.

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Second Box Fold

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Fold the same edges up as shown to form two of the sides of the box.

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Third Box Fold

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Fold the cut ends in at either end of the box.

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The Final Box Fold

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Fold the two remaining pieces into the middle of the box. This will securely hold the box together and there is no need to add glue.

With the lid complete, you can now make a base for the box in exactly the same way. However, this time you will cut the square a fraction smaller so the base will fit into the lid.

Finish the box with stamping or embossing on the outside if you like. Try adding stamped embellishments, or stamp some ribbon and tie it into rosettes to top the boxes.